Paul Madonna

Each week, we offer a roundup of the best literary events in the city. All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. Want to submit an upcoming event for consideration? Go here.

The True Stories Lounge

Friday, September 9th, 7 pm, at the Make-Out Room (3225 22nd St.)

This new monthly reading by nonfiction authors at the Make-Out Room is a spiritual companion to the more fiction-oriented Writers with Drinks, and its organizers have been able to secure a lineup to rival WWD's for their initial outing. Readers include essayist Joyce Maynard (To Die For), novelist Alicia Erian (Towelhead), historian Adam Hochschild (King Leopold's Ghost), and Salon co-founder Gary Kamiya (Cool, Grey City of Love). Admission is $10 at the door, and as always, drinks will be available.

Paul Madonna (All Over Coffee)

Friday, September 9th, 7:30 pm, at the SF Zen Center (300 Page St.)

Paul Madonna's weekly cartoon All Over Coffee appears in the Chronicle and on the Rumpus, has been spun off into two books, and boasts near-iconic status among the artsy set in SF. Combining drawings of beautiful spots around the city (and occasionally around other cities) with philosophical musings, Madonna's art often feels like the work of chance, but hides a meticulous backbone. At this Zen Center lecture, he'll discuss his creative process and show examples of his work.

Chances are good that you're already a fan of local artist Paul Madonna's signature ink-wash cityscapes. And if you're a really devoted follower, his first book All Over Coffee is probably already on your bookshelf at home. But whether you're a seasoned admirer or a newbie looking to get your feet wet, the perfect opportunity to meet the Missionite in person presents itself tonight. Paul Madonna will be celebrating the launch of his latest compilation, Everything Is Its Own Reward, with a book signing event at Electric Works.

Not a day goes by without Paul Madonna sketching and scribbling away in the notebook that never leaves his side. He knew from the beginning that he would be an artist. From amateur illustrations as a kid to a BFA from Carnegie Mellon to the first-ever art internship at MAD magazine, the Missionite has always expressed himself through drawing. In 2004, the SF Chronicle began running Madonna’s All Over Coffee cityscapes as a regular column, and in 2007, City Lights published a collection of his newspaper comics in a book of the same title.

In between Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Open Studios and the rest of this weekend's madness, Ocean Beach will be invaded by gargantuan monsters (like the kind in Tremors?), whimsical castles and who knows what else rising out of its sands during Leap's annual fundraising sandcastle building contest. This year's theme is "Sand Francisco", so get your butt down to the seashore and watch the magic happen.

Ever seen that Seinfeld episode where Jerry's Uncle Leo gets caught stealing batteries? The comedian then realizes that world is rife with old people who also happen to be petty-theft masterminds. Perhaps living through the Great Depression made some of those old birds pretty wily. While we don't condone theft of any kind, we think everyone could learn a thing or two from Paul Madonna's new art show, "Things Your Grandmother Taught You to Steal to Survive a Depression".

If Valentine's is one of your less-than-favorite days, allow Electric Works and the artwork of Paul Madonna to sweeten it up for you. This Saturday, be one of the first ten people to make a purchase at the Electric Works store on 8th Street and you'll be gifted a limited edition, signed and numbered print by local artist Paul Madonna.